Nadab is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, but his story is important. He was the son of Aaron, Israel’s first high priest, and a nephew to Moses. Nadab’s life teaches about holiness, obedience, and the seriousness of serving God.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Nadab from Scripture.
1. Nadab Was the Eldest Son of Aaron
Nadab was the firstborn son of Aaron, the brother of Moses. This made Nadab a Levite and part of the priestly line.
Exodus 6:23 (ESV) – "Aaron took as his wife Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."
2. Nadab Was Chosen by God for Priesthood
When God set apart Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, Nadab was among the first.
Exodus 28:1 (NIV) – “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests.”
3. Nadab Witnessed God’s Glory on Mount Sinai
Nadab was one of the few people invited to go up partway on Mount Sinai and see the glory of God.
Exodus 24:9-10 (ESV) – “Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel.”
4. Nadab Died Before His Father Aaron
Even though Nadab was the oldest, he did not outlive Aaron. He died before Aaron due to his sin.
Numbers 3:4 (ESV) – “But Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children.”
5. Nadab and Abihu Offered “Unauthorized Fire”
Nadab and his brother disobeyed God by offering “strange fire” at the tabernacle.
Leviticus 10:1 (NIV) – “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command.”
6. God Immediately Judged Nadab and Abihu
Their disobedience brought swift judgment. Fire came from the Lord and consumed them.
Leviticus 10:2 (ESV) – “And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”
7. Nadab’s Death Was a Lesson to Israel
God used Nadab’s death to teach the people of Israel that worship must be done His way.
Leviticus 10:3 (NIV) – “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.”
8. Aaron Was Not Allowed to Mourn Nadab
Even though Aaron lost two sons, he was told not to mourn in the usual way.
Leviticus 10:6 (ESV) – “Do not let the hair of your heads hang loose, and do not tear your clothes, lest you die.”
9. Nadab Had No Descendants
Because he died without children, Nadab’s line ended with him.
Numbers 3:4 (NIV) – “They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.”
10. Nadab’s Story Is a Warning and Reminder
Nadab’s life and death remind believers today about the seriousness of worship and obedience.
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV) – “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Summary Table
| Fact | Key Verse | Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Eldest son of Aaron | Exodus 6:23 | Born into a holy calling |
| Chosen as priest | Exodus 28:1 | Called to serve in God's presence |
| Saw God on Mount Sinai | Exodus 24:9-10 | Witnessed God's glory |
| Died before Aaron | Numbers 3:4 | Disobedience cut his life short |
| Offered strange fire | Leviticus 10:1 | Worship must follow God's instructions |
| Judged by God with fire | Leviticus 10:2 | God is holy and just |
| Death taught Israel about holiness | Leviticus 10:3 | God must be honored above all |
| Aaron couldn’t mourn him | Leviticus 10:6 | Priests were held to a higher standard |
| Had no descendants | Numbers 3:4 | His line ended with him |
| A lasting warning to believers | Hebrews 12:28-29 | Worship with awe and respect |
